Mandy Moore has hit back at criticism after sharing a GoFundMe link to support her brother-in-law and his wife following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The “This Is Us” actress, responding to the backlash, told critics to “Kindly F Off.” Mandy Moore and her husband, musician Taylor Goldsmith, lost much of their home in Altadena to the fires. Taylor’s brother, Griffin Goldsmith—also a member of the band Dawes—saw his nearby home destroyed. Griffin and his wife, Kit, are expecting their first baby in just a few weeks.
On January 9, Mandy Moore posted a GoFundMe link asking for support. She wrote: “Yesterday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Griff & Kit, lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire. With their baby due in weeks, they need our help more than ever. Griff is a touring musician who also lost his entire set of drums and percussion instruments, which he depends on for his career. It’s all overwhelming. Many people have asked how they can help, so please considering donating or sharing this link to support them as they rebuild.”
Moore’s post drew criticism from some, questioning why a successful celebrity couldn’t simply cover her family’s expenses herself. Social media users cited her net worth of approximately $14 million as evidence she should not need to ask others for help. Critics raised eyebrows with comments such as, “You can’t help them? You’re millionaires????”
On January 10, Moore updated her post to clarify her intentions and address the backlash: “To those wondering if we are helping our own family—yes, of course, we are. Attributing random amounts of money based on what Google says about someone’s net worth isn’t helpful or empathetic. Our friend Matt started this GoFundMe, and I shared it because people asked how to help. We just lost most of our home too. Kindly F OFF. No one is forcing anyone to donate.”
The GoFundMe had initially aimed to raise $60,000 but exceeded expectations, bringing in $176,000 and continuing to grow. Moore’s plea for help came as she documented the tragedy on her Instagram page, describing the destruction around her and sharing her own struggles since the fires began.
“Miraculously, the main part of our house is still standing, but it’s not livable. We lost Taylor and Griffin’s entire music studio, with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned,” she posted after the initial fury on social media. “Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone. My in-laws. My brother and sister-in-law—six weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends. Feeling weird survivor’s guilt.”
Moore’s response highlights the wider impact of the wildfires engulfing many areas of Los Angeles. The winds fanned the flames, leading to catastrophic destruction. At least ten lives have been lost, with thousands of structures destroyed, as the fires consumed the neighborhoods of many celebrities, including Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton.
Moore continued to share her grief and shock at the events, saying, “I love you, Altadena. Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late, and endless gratitude to friends for taking us in and bringing us clothes and blankets. Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family.”
Despite the backlash, Moore has also received support from fans who empathize with her situation. “I find it incredibly cruel,” wrote one supporter, “that in the wake of extreme tragedy & loss, there are so many hateful & hurtful comments here. If you don’t want to donate to this family, then don’t but I hope you donate to other organizations in need because there are so many. Please try to lead with empathy.”
With her own experiences within the tragic scope of the wildfires, Moore’s story serves as part of the larger narrative of loss faced by many. The community, heavily affected, continues to band together amid the crisis, with calls for help echoing throughout social media platforms.
Current reports estimate upwards of 4,000 structures have been burned, with firefighting agencies unable to control many of the blazes ravaging through Los Angeles. Governor Gavin Newsom has committed significant resources to the state’s fire response, even as communities brace for the long road of recovery ahead.
Mandy Moore’s reflections on these trying times remind everyone of the human experiences behind numbers and net worth. They portray her not just as a celebrity, but as part of the community seeking support and help, both for family and neighbors. She concluded her posts with hope for rebuilding: “We will do everything we can to help our community rebuild. Thank you for checking on us. Stay strong, Altadena.”